The information presented in this case study was submitted by the identified provider and reviewed by the Unyte Clinical Team. Modifications to the text have been made solely for the purpose of enhancing comprehension and clarity for the reader’s benefit, and were carefully applied while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the original submission. Unyte Health makes every effort to use updated terms and inclusive language, this case study retains the author’s original descriptions to be most sensitive to the client’s identity and preferences.
About the Provider
Name: Laurie Belanger
Disciplines/credentials: LCSW, Approved EMDR Consultant
Modalities: EMDR, Ego State Therapy, CBT, Insight Oriented & Existential Psychotherapy, play therapy & expressive arts approaches, TBRI, attachment theory
Client Background
Name: Ryan (pseudonym)
Age and Gender: 11 year-old boy
Program Delivered: Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)
Ryan was adopted at a young age, with a personal history of attachment issues stemming from the transition from his birth family to his adoptive parents. Due to his history, he had difficulty trusting authority figures, particularly women. Additionally, he had strong fears of abandonment and change. He struggled with executive functioning, focus, and explosive bursts of anger, all connected to his attachment trauma. As a result, he had difficulty sleeping, leading to additional stress in interpersonal relationships, school, and home life.
Despite his difficulty trusting female authority figures, Ryan had a good relationship with provider Laurie Belanger. Prior to beginning RRP treatment, he had been meeting with her for two years, stating, “[Laurie] is my person. The grown-up that works for me.” This trust was not only integral for Ryan and Laurie to form a client-provider relationship, but it also contrasted with a previous psychologist’s description as “explosive and defiant.” Laurie had a different perspective, noting that when Ryan was able to access a relaxed state — which was difficult for him — he became a “sweet, loving child.”
Laurie used the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) as a tool to orient the family to a trauma-informed way of thinking and bottom-up approaches. While the SSP was supportive in alleviating some of the challenges associated with regulation and behavior, Ryan still struggled with sleep. This led Laurie to introduce the RRP, which the family was open to after their positive experience with the SSP and psychoeducation.
Implementation of Sonocea® Enhanced Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)
Ryan began listening to RRP in Laurie’s office alongside play therapy and other regulating activities. Gradually, they added independent, at-home listening, which was completed right before bedtime. During these independent listening sessions, Ryan’s father was present in the room with him to monitor for any notable changes or reactions.
Response
The most impactful response Ryan experienced with RRP was a change in sleep habits. Almost immediately, his parents noticed that he could fall asleep faster and for longer. Prior to RRP, Ryan was typically only sleeping for 4 hours a night, according to his FitBit monitor. After beginning the listening, he was able to stay asleep for 9-10 hours. The quality of this sleep also improved, becoming less restless and more relaxed. Ryan would often have bags under his eyes beforehand, indicating how little sleep he was getting. These bags disappeared after his sleep duration and quality increased, visually demonstrating an improvement.
Additionally, this better quality and increased sleep translated into improved emotional and behavioral regulation on a daily basis. He also became more receptive to changes in his routine compared to before. In his day-to-day life, he has more energy, allowing his playfulness and competitive spirit to emerge more frequently.
Ryan continues to utilize RRP in his bedtime routine, completing 30 minute listening sessions nightly.
Discussion
Laurie emphasizes using Unyte’s listening programs tools for teaching clients – and in Ryan’s case, his entire family – a trauma informed approach to thinking and healing. For Ryan and his parents, listening sessions and the surrounding training shifted their perspective towards certain behaviors, empowering them to view those actions as “dysregulated” as opposed to “bad.” Laurie recommends Unyte’s tools for trauma work, to support clients in accomplishing their goals and opening the door to a new way of thinking.
